IPv4 addressing classes (legacy concept): Which class of address provides a maximum of 254 usable host addresses per network ID?

Introduction / Context:
Although modern networks use Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR), legacy classful ranges still appear in exams and historical documentation. Recognizing the host capacity of each class helps map older designs to current subnetting practice.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Class C default mask: 255.255.255.0 (/24).
• Usable host count per subnet equals total addresses minus network and broadcast.
• Class D and E are not used for unicast hosts.

Concept / Approach:
For a /24 network, there are 2^8 = 256 addresses in the host portion. Subtract 2 for network and broadcast, leaving 254 usable hosts. This aligns with the canonical Class C networks (192.0.0.0–223.255.255.255) under classful rules.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Contrast with Class A (/8) and Class B (/16) which provide far more host addresses. Class D is multicast, not for hosts; Class E is experimental.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Class A and B yield much larger host counts than 254.
• Class D is multicast addressing, not host addressing.
• Class E is reserved/experimental and not used for hosts.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to subtract network and broadcast; applying classful logic to CIDR blocks where host counts vary by mask.

Final Answer:
Class C